Behind the Scenes of SEMA Battle of the Builders
Thu, 06/11/2015 - 06:15
By Becca Butler

 
Behind-the-scenes footage of finalist Dale Dondel and his Ford Raptor Pre-Runner, which landed him a spot in last year’s Battle of the Builders top 10.
  
Last year marked the first-ever SEMA Battle of the Builders—a national competition that brought together some of the best builders and car customizers in the country. With more than 125 participants, an elite 10 were chosen by a panel of top automotive journalists.

The finalists voted for the winner among themselves at SEMA Ignited—an event open to the public that featured hundreds of customized vehicles with the newest and most innovative products from the SEMA Show. The top 10 were also featured in a one-hour television special that premiered on the Velocity Network.

SEMA Battle of the Builders will return for the 2015 SEMA Show. Vehicle builders with a display, feature or booth vehicle at this year’s Show are encouraged to participate. The competition will once again take place at SEMA Ignited, Friday November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., directly across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information, visit www.semaignited.com.
Windows 10—An Open Apology to Millions of PC Users
Thu, 06/11/2015 - 06:06

Due for release later this summer, Windows 10 is Microsoft’s make-good for mouse-and-keyboard users across the country.

Businesses that reacted to Windows 8 with howls of incredulity can take heart: Microsoft is bending over backward with its next Windows release to win back the mouse-and-keyboard crowd. With Windows 10 (there will be no Windows 9), due for release in the summer of 2015, Microsoft will make it simple once again to navigate the operating system with a keyboard and a mouse.

Moreover, the Redmond Goliath will be bringing back other features, such as the Start Menu that made Windows a hit in previous incarnations. “It’s a practical approach, which is ‘customer first,’” said Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.

Windows 10—An Open Apology to Millions of PC Users
Thu, 06/11/2015 - 06:06

Due for release later this summer, Windows 10 is Microsoft’s make-good for mouse-and-keyboard users across the country.

Businesses that reacted to Windows 8 with howls of incredulity can take heart: Microsoft is bending over backward with its next Windows release to win back the mouse-and-keyboard crowd. With Windows 10 (there will be no Windows 9), due for release in the summer of 2015, Microsoft will make it simple once again to navigate the operating system with a keyboard and a mouse.

Moreover, the Redmond Goliath will be bringing back other features, such as the Start Menu that made Windows a hit in previous incarnations. “It’s a practical approach, which is ‘customer first,’” said Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.

Nebraska Bill to Provide Single License Plate Dies as Legislature Adjourns
Thu, 06/11/2015 - 05:53

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

nebraska
Under the bill, a license decal would have been issued with the single license plate and would have been displayed on the driver's side of the windshield.

Legislation to provide for the issuance (for a $100 fee) of a single license plate for passenger cars that were not originally equipped with a front-plate bracket died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill had been approved by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee and was pending a vote by all Nebraska legislators. Under the bill, a license decal would have been issued with the single license plate and would have been displayed on the driver's side of the windshield. The measure is eligible for consideration in 2016.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Nebraska Bill to Provide Single License Plate Dies as Legislature Adjourns
Thu, 06/11/2015 - 05:53

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

nebraska
Under the bill, a license decal would have been issued with the single license plate and would have been displayed on the driver's side of the windshield.

Legislation to provide for the issuance (for a $100 fee) of a single license plate for passenger cars that were not originally equipped with a front-plate bracket died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill had been approved by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee and was pending a vote by all Nebraska legislators. Under the bill, a license decal would have been issued with the single license plate and would have been displayed on the driver's side of the windshield. The measure is eligible for consideration in 2016.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Nebraska Bill to Provide Single License Plate Dies as Legislature Adjourns
Thu, 06/11/2015 - 05:53

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

nebraska
Under the bill, a license decal would have been issued with the single license plate and would have been displayed on the driver's side of the windshield.

Legislation to provide for the issuance (for a $100 fee) of a single license plate for passenger cars that were not originally equipped with a front-plate bracket died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill had been approved by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee and was pending a vote by all Nebraska legislators. Under the bill, a license decal would have been issued with the single license plate and would have been displayed on the driver's side of the windshield. The measure is eligible for consideration in 2016.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

U.S. Congress Introduces Bill to Allow Limited Production of Turn-Key Replica Cars
Thu, 06/11/2015 - 05:42
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would enable low-volume car manufacturers to produce turn-key replica vehicles for customers nationwide. Replica vehicles resemble classic cars produced at least 25 years ago. Supported by SEMA, the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015” (H.R. 2675) would allow companies to construct up to 500 such cars per year subject to federal regulatory oversight.

The United States currently has just one system for regulating automobiles. It was established in the ’60s and designed for companies that mass produce millions of vehicles. H.R. 2675 creates a separate regulatory framework for small businesses producing modest numbers of cars.  

“The bill introduced by Reps. Mullin and Green will allow U.S. companies to produce turn-key replicas of older vehicles that are virtually impossible to build under today’s restrictive one-size-fits-all regulatory framework,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “This program will create skilled-labor jobs in the auto industry and help meet consumer demand for these classics of the past.”

H.R. 2675 directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a separate regulatory structure to facilitate the production of replica cars. Manufacturers would be required to register with NHTSA and EPA and submit annual reports on the vehicles they produce. The vehicles would meet current model-year emissions standards and manufacturers would be permitted to install clean engines from other EPA-certified vehicles to help achieve that requirement.

H.R. 2675 recognizes the unique circumstances associated with limited-production replica vehicles, which are primarily used in exhibitions, parades and occasional transportation. It also provides an opportunity to promote domestic manufacturing and create jobs in the specialty auto sector.

“This bill seeks a reasonable regulatory approach,” said Kersting. “It also helps preserve our American automotive heritage.”

SEMA will be working with congressional leaders to promote this important bill. For more information on H.R. 2675, please contact Stuart Gosswein or Eric Snyder at 202-783-6007.
U.S. Congress Introduces Bill to Allow Limited Production of Turn-Key Replica Cars
Thu, 06/11/2015 - 05:42
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would enable low-volume car manufacturers to produce turn-key replica vehicles for customers nationwide. Replica vehicles resemble classic cars produced at least 25 years ago. Supported by SEMA, the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015” (H.R. 2675) would allow companies to construct up to 500 such cars per year subject to federal regulatory oversight.

The United States currently has just one system for regulating automobiles. It was established in the ’60s and designed for companies that mass produce millions of vehicles. H.R. 2675 creates a separate regulatory framework for small businesses producing modest numbers of cars.  

“The bill introduced by Reps. Mullin and Green will allow U.S. companies to produce turn-key replicas of older vehicles that are virtually impossible to build under today’s restrictive one-size-fits-all regulatory framework,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “This program will create skilled-labor jobs in the auto industry and help meet consumer demand for these classics of the past.”

H.R. 2675 directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a separate regulatory structure to facilitate the production of replica cars. Manufacturers would be required to register with NHTSA and EPA and submit annual reports on the vehicles they produce. The vehicles would meet current model-year emissions standards and manufacturers would be permitted to install clean engines from other EPA-certified vehicles to help achieve that requirement.

H.R. 2675 recognizes the unique circumstances associated with limited-production replica vehicles, which are primarily used in exhibitions, parades and occasional transportation. It also provides an opportunity to promote domestic manufacturing and create jobs in the specialty auto sector.

“This bill seeks a reasonable regulatory approach,” said Kersting. “It also helps preserve our American automotive heritage.”

SEMA will be working with congressional leaders to promote this important bill. For more information on H.R. 2675, please contact Stuart Gosswein or Eric Snyder at 202-783-6007.
U.S. Congress Introduces Bill to Allow Limited Production of Turn-Key Replica Cars
Thu, 06/11/2015 - 05:42
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would enable low-volume car manufacturers to produce turn-key replica vehicles for customers nationwide. Replica vehicles resemble classic cars produced at least 25 years ago. Supported by SEMA, the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015” (H.R. 2675) would allow companies to construct up to 500 such cars per year subject to federal regulatory oversight.

The United States currently has just one system for regulating automobiles. It was established in the ’60s and designed for companies that mass produce millions of vehicles. H.R. 2675 creates a separate regulatory framework for small businesses producing modest numbers of cars.  

“The bill introduced by Reps. Mullin and Green will allow U.S. companies to produce turn-key replicas of older vehicles that are virtually impossible to build under today’s restrictive one-size-fits-all regulatory framework,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “This program will create skilled-labor jobs in the auto industry and help meet consumer demand for these classics of the past.”

H.R. 2675 directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a separate regulatory structure to facilitate the production of replica cars. Manufacturers would be required to register with NHTSA and EPA and submit annual reports on the vehicles they produce. The vehicles would meet current model-year emissions standards and manufacturers would be permitted to install clean engines from other EPA-certified vehicles to help achieve that requirement.

H.R. 2675 recognizes the unique circumstances associated with limited-production replica vehicles, which are primarily used in exhibitions, parades and occasional transportation. It also provides an opportunity to promote domestic manufacturing and create jobs in the specialty auto sector.

“This bill seeks a reasonable regulatory approach,” said Kersting. “It also helps preserve our American automotive heritage.”

SEMA will be working with congressional leaders to promote this important bill. For more information on H.R. 2675, please contact Stuart Gosswein or Eric Snyder at 202-783-6007.
Exhibitors Offering Products to 2015 SEMA Show Builders
Thu, 06/11/2015 - 05:39
 2014 Project Truck
To participate in the list of exhibitors offering products to builders, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form located in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual.
  

By Jason Catullo

Exhibitors of the 2015 SEMA Show are encouraged to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the list below. New submissions will appear in SEMA eNews when available, and the information and product offers are provided by this year’s confirmed exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can contact the exhibitor directly.

With all project vehicles required to be supported by a current 2015 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder. Participation in the list does not guarantee product placement at the 2015 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors: To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form located in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. Once submitted, the listing will appear in the next available issue of eNews.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2015 SEMA Show only. For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org.

Latest Submissions

Exterior Components/Accessories

Fastway Trailer Products: Aluminum adjustable ball mounts, dual locking adjustable aluminum ball mounts, anti-rattle aluminum adjustable ball mounts, weight distributing hitches with built in sway control, locking hitch pins, trailer locks and trailer accessories. Contact: Trevor Millar, tmillar@fastwaytrailer.com; 877-523-9103. Website: www.fastwaytrailer.com.

J.W. Speaker Corp.: American-made LED headlights, fog lights, taillights and auxiliary lights. Contact: Ryan Mayrand, Mayrandr@jwspeaker.com; 262-532-2105. Website: www.jwspeaker.com.

Raptor Series: Raptor Series step bars. Contact: Jesse Brown, jesse@raptorseries.com; 877-769-3765. Website: www.raptorseries.com.

TigerLights: Custom billet light bars. Contact: randy@tigerlights.com; 877-928-1646.

Interior Components/Accessories

J.W. Speaker Corp.: American-made LED dome lights and compartment lights. Contact: Ryan Mayrand, Mayrandr@jwspeaker.com; 262-532-2105. Website: www.jwspeaker.com.

Suspension/Brake Components

MGP Caliper Covers: MGP Caliper Covers. Licensed Caliper Covers for Ford, GM, and Mopar applications. Contact: Ben Wong, marketing@calipercovers.com; 877-995-0003. Website: www.calipercovers.com.

Wheels & Tires

Vossen: 19-22" Luxury/Sport Concave Wheels. CV wheels and new one-piece lightweight forged Vossen Precision Series. Contact: Mike, mike@vossenwheels.com; 305-463-7778. Website: www.vossenwheels.com.

Other Products/Services

MGP Caliper Covers: Custom logo, engraving, and colors available for select vehicles. Contact: Ben Wong, marketing@calipercovers.com; 877-995-0003. Website: www.calipercovers.com.

Recoveri USA: Almost invisible, permanent Recoveri microdots can be placed on all your valuable assets; the presence detected with an ultra violet ray torch and read with a Recoveri Microscope. Once your assets are microdotted, the assets’ information is uploaded onto a secure online database and is able to be tracked worldwide. Contact: Adam Leonard, aleonard@recoveriusa.net; 719-357-5717; Website: www.usa.recoveri.net.